In February, when almond trees in Agrigento, Sicily, burst into delicate pale pink blossoms, the region celebrates the famous Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore, the Almond Blossom Festival. This colourful festival is well worth being included in exclusive tours of Italy.
For ten days, the historic city of Agrigento fills up with music and dances from various corners of the world. What began as a harvest festival in 1934 to celebrate traditional Sicilian products have become an international event with dozens of folkloristic groups performing for thousands of visitors.
Agrigento is renowned worldwide for its the Valle dei Templi dotted with spectacular ancient Greek temples. It is this unique setting together with the almond blossoms and colourful traditional costumes that make this event simply unforgettable. During the festival there are regular shuttles bringing visitors to the various venues in the Valle dei Templi, where you can enjoy the performance and walk among the blossoming almond trees.
The Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore starts with an atmospheric lighting of the tripod of friendship in the Temple of Concordia. Numerous stands scattered along the ancient streets of Agrigento sell delicious traditional Sicilian dishes and tastings of ethnic dishes from across the globe are organised during the festival. All restaurant in the city offer a special festive menu with a great choice of almond-based dishes.
Street parades, torchlight processions, fireworks, dances and donkey races keep visitors of all ages entertained. One of the spectacular events of the Almond Blossom Festival is the colourful procession of traditional Sicilian carts that have been made in the Italian region for many centuries.
The festival programme is published on the official website<, however, the best way is to contact our private tour consultant who can help you to plan a visit. Photos via Flickr by: Greg Hirson, Merlijn Hoek, Claudia Pergamo.
